Alcoa and Phinergy launch next-generation high-performance aluminum-air batteries

The Israeli company Phinergy, which focuses on energy technology, has a long-standing partnership with Alcoa, a leading manufacturer of aluminum products. Together they are developing high-performance aluminum-air batteries for use in electric vehicles (EVS). A breakthrough in the system will increase the range of existing electric vehicles by more than three times. According to experts, the joint use of new energy storage technology and innovation in lighting devices can make LED trees and other designer light sculptures virtually independent of a permanent source current. The newly developed aluminum battery is capable of driving an electric vehicle up to 1,100 miles between charges. In addition, the battery is much lighter than a liquid-filled lithium-ion battery. The system uses a combination of aluminum, zinc and air. The battery is under testing. Phinergy and Alcoa's developed aluminum-air battery system harnesses the energy released by reacting aluminum and water with oxygen to generate electricity using a silver-based catalyst. The unique design of the cell model allows the passage of oxygen into the cell during the cessation of the release of carbon dioxide molecules. According to information provided by Phinergy, aluminum-air batteries are more suitable for long trips and will be used alongside lithium-ion batteries, which are designed for short-range trips up to 31 miles. This will increase the durability of both batteries. At the same time, aluminum-air batteries also provide lighter weight, which increases the efficiency of current electric machines.